In a bid to ensure that communities of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) have access to health services, a lawmaking tandem has filed a bill institutionalizing the training and employment of health workers that belong to such communities to provide primary healthcare.
House Bill No. 6533 or the “Tribal Health Workers (THW) Bill”, filed by Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos and Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos, seeks the appointment of THWs to all tribal communities that are located about 10 kilometers from the barangay center. One THW would be appointed for every 30 families.
“The THWs will act as a bridge between mainstream health services and indigenous communities. We envision them providing culturally sensitive primary healthcare using both modern and indigenous knowledge,” Rep. Ching Bernos said.
Under the proposed measure, the tribal chief, following the community’s traditions, shall appoint the THW and give their name to the local health board, who in turn shall register the appointed THW. The local health board would also furnish a copy of its list of THWs to the Department of Health, which shall maintain a national database.
Appointed tribal health workers would be mandated to put up an herbal garden that the community may use, with the local government and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources helping.
THWs would be entitled to the following benefits: free PhilHealth insurance and hospitalization in case of work-related emergencies; free tuition in public high schools and universities, which the THW may transfer to any one of his/her legitimate children.
Rep. JB Bernos expressed hope that by employing THWs, the government would be able to introduce much-needed interventions to improve public health among indigenous peoples
Continuing training on new and emerging primary healthcare management; and free legal services should the need arise in the exercise of their duties and responsibilities as health worker.
Rep. JB Bernos expressed hope that by employing THWs, the government would be able to introduce much-needed interventions to improve public health among indigenous peoples.
“Marami sa ating mga IP ang mas madaling magkasakit dahil sa kakulangan ng nutrisyon at agarang access sa serbisyong medikal at pangkalusugan. Nakikita natin ang mga BHW bilang isang hakbang para matugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan na malayo sa sentro.”
